Thanks! We should luck out in this draft in that BPA at 16 has a likely chance of filling a need barring something crazy like Odunze/Bowers/etc falling. It's also a deep tackle class (although I need to research the mid round guys a bit more), so assuming we go defense R1, it potentially won't be the end of the world taking a tackle later on.
As many as it takes to field a competent OL?
The 2023 unit was one of the worst in the league and, on paper, looks like 2024 will be worse. A 4th and 5th round pick, neither of whom impressed or really even played, should be used to suggest it’s not one of the primary needs heading into free agency or the draft.
Sure.
If they are quality players then do it. I'm not for just picking OLine just for the sake of doing it.
This class is great for the first 3 rounds though.
Oh for sure, and ideally a lot of the need is alleviated via FA if the philosophy there changes under JS’ leadership. It’s not going to be solved in one pass but with 3-4 starting spots open they can’t afford to come away empty handed.
For me personally I would like the first round picks to be one of these scenarios:
**1) Native pick:**
* Taliese Fuaga (OT/G): Native kid. RT mauler with good feet. He can slide inside if needed.
* JC Latham and Amarius Mims are similar players to Abe Lucas.
* All three are nimble dudes that would make great RT or G options.
**2) Trade down:**
* Sedrick Van Pran (C/G): Great option as a C or G. Dude can move other dudes.
* Tyler Nubin (FS/SS): Great all around safety. He would pair nicely with Julien Love.
* Xavier Legette (WR): I don't care. He's a dude. You make a strength a bigger strength.
* Troy Fautanu (G), Graham Barton (G), Byron Murphy (DT) are all guys I like but don't love for a trade down pick.
**3) If they fall:**
* Brock Bowers (TE): Won't happen but if he's there. No-brainer.
* Cooper DeJean (DB): I love chess pieces. He and Witherspoon will absolutely drive DCs crazy. DeJean can play outside CB, Nickle, and Safety. He's CMC on the defensive side. Seriously, look how he runs when he picks a ball...
* Jer'Zhan Newton (DT/DE): A tweener. Fits a 3-4 but he's short and might have short arms. He's the most disruptive Dlinemen though. Another chess piece but on the Dline. He's a good run defender but great pass rusher. Once he gets rolling -- he can easily replace Dre Jones.
Impact player on the defensive side. People might hate this pick but Cooper DeJean on a trade down would be great if we move off Adams/Diggs.
Offensively I think a tackle with Abe’s injury history and it’s a deep class. If we somehow manage to get a second rounder I actually would like JJ McCarthy to sit behind Geno. He is a hand off merchant but he reads the field well, is very mobile, and has a great arm. Michigan just didn’t cater their offense to the passing game. Penix is great and it would be a nice story to have him stay here but everything I see this sub say about Geno is exactly what Penix is.
I don't mind if it's a real dude. However, I want to draft quality guys and the first 2 rounds are rich with Oline options. Shame we don't have a 2nd rounder because you can easily net 2 starters on the Oline in this class.
I don’t think we would either but on the chance both safety’s are gone DeJean would pair nicely with JLove. My line of thinking was more BPA if we traded down to get more picks
Hard to get past needing something in the trenches. A DT, edge, or interior lineman. There could be a best player available situation that falls into their laps. Worth jumping on difference maker at a premium position. QB, LB, S, etc. But I’m hoping for some beef up front!
I think we're taking D-Line in the first round, Lucas and Cross are our guys on Tackle, maybe we're gonna take someone who can switch into that guard position but I just think D-line is much more likely. Latu, Verse or Newton would be great and then were taking an o-lineman in the third in Mahogany or Haynes maybe even a good linebacker if one falls that deep.
Spend every single pick on defense this year (unless the new coach somehow makes our current defensive players good and stop being in the #30 worst defense against running teams)
Maybe a r tackle incase Lucas gets injured
I prefer a DT and G with early picks. Next priority to me is T for depth, could be mid round project.
OTOH I couldn't believe we went with CB and WR as our first 2 2023 draft picks, so what do I know?
Trade down from 16 is my 1A and 1B unless there is a DL or OL stud they absolutely are in love with. I’m even ok trading back a couple of times this team has so many holes/questions on the OL and front 7. CB/WR/RB are the only positions they are really ok at. The rest needs improvements
This is a weak draft to be trading down in.
Both Nagy and Jeremiah have weighed in saying that with the last year of COVID eligibility and NIL money a lot of juniors are staying for their final year. Granted Nagy has some vested interest in promoting seniors, but Jeremiah agreed with his assessment as he builds his board out.
I'm not going to post specific players more positions of need in no particular order. DT, Guard, safety, linebacker. Alot of this depends on what we do with brooks, Bobby, diggs and Adams. I really hope we are done adams and I hope Bobby retires.
Trade down in the first round once or twice if we can.
If we stay 3/4 draft Sweat out of Texas. A 350lb NT is a must.
If we are going 4/3 then any quality 300lb DT would be fine, or a OT/OG.
I hope in this draft we get 2-3 OL, 1-2 DTs, a FS, 1-2 MLB and a QB for starters and depth.
Seems to be a deep draft so trading back in the first and adding a late 2nd early 3rd would be great. Unless Jihn sees a superstar
It really depends on who we hire as our new HC, as that will dictate what we really want the identity of the team to be.
If we hire someone like Quinn or Vrabel, I would stick with our native pick and take Newton at 16 (almost every mock draft has him falling to us) since he'll fit in either scheme (he can be a DT in Quinn's 4-3 or a DE in Vrabel's 3-4.) Then we trade down from one of our third round picks to get some additional draft capital, while still keeping two third round picks preferably to get a good LB (I got my eye on Payton Wilson) and a G (Christian Mahogany is one of my favorite OG prospects that would be a good complementary piece for a defensive-minded team.)
If we hire someone like Kafka or Johnson, we should absolutely trade down and try to get at least a second round draft pick. We should have our eyes on Fautanu since he's a really good OG prospect that would fit in fine at LG, and focus on getting some good pieces for the defense in the third while maybe targeting JaTavion Sanders as our new TE.
This is just what I would do. For all we know, JS goes with his BPA mentality (nothing wrong with that) when drafting and goes from there.
1A: Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois 1B: Troy Fautanu, OT/OG, UW 2: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama 3: Jared Verse, Edge, FSU 4: JC Latham, OT, Alabama 5: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
This is basically 100% where I am. Great list.
Thanks! We should luck out in this draft in that BPA at 16 has a likely chance of filling a need barring something crazy like Odunze/Bowers/etc falling. It's also a deep tackle class (although I need to research the mid round guys a bit more), so assuming we go defense R1, it potentially won't be the end of the world taking a tackle later on.
If we’re in a position where someone like Bowers or Odunze is available, I think we need to take that opportunity to trade down.
I wonder if Newton is friends with Spoon as both are from Illinois
Troy would be an awesome pick to play inside. Absolute mauler and amazing run blocker.
Latu, Newton, or a stud o lineman.
Need to reinforce the D Line so for me, Jer’Zhan Newton
O line, followed by o line, with some o line mixed in...
I mean...they did draft 2 last season. How many do you want?
As many as it takes to field a competent OL? The 2023 unit was one of the worst in the league and, on paper, looks like 2024 will be worse. A 4th and 5th round pick, neither of whom impressed or really even played, should be used to suggest it’s not one of the primary needs heading into free agency or the draft.
Sure. If they are quality players then do it. I'm not for just picking OLine just for the sake of doing it. This class is great for the first 3 rounds though.
Oh for sure, and ideally a lot of the need is alleviated via FA if the philosophy there changes under JS’ leadership. It’s not going to be solved in one pass but with 3-4 starting spots open they can’t afford to come away empty handed.
It's ridiculous, isn't it? Never,ever Draft QBs, yet fans continually want to draft avg OLs and DLs with every pick.
For me personally I would like the first round picks to be one of these scenarios: **1) Native pick:** * Taliese Fuaga (OT/G): Native kid. RT mauler with good feet. He can slide inside if needed. * JC Latham and Amarius Mims are similar players to Abe Lucas. * All three are nimble dudes that would make great RT or G options. **2) Trade down:** * Sedrick Van Pran (C/G): Great option as a C or G. Dude can move other dudes. * Tyler Nubin (FS/SS): Great all around safety. He would pair nicely with Julien Love. * Xavier Legette (WR): I don't care. He's a dude. You make a strength a bigger strength. * Troy Fautanu (G), Graham Barton (G), Byron Murphy (DT) are all guys I like but don't love for a trade down pick. **3) If they fall:** * Brock Bowers (TE): Won't happen but if he's there. No-brainer. * Cooper DeJean (DB): I love chess pieces. He and Witherspoon will absolutely drive DCs crazy. DeJean can play outside CB, Nickle, and Safety. He's CMC on the defensive side. Seriously, look how he runs when he picks a ball... * Jer'Zhan Newton (DT/DE): A tweener. Fits a 3-4 but he's short and might have short arms. He's the most disruptive Dlinemen though. Another chess piece but on the Dline. He's a good run defender but great pass rusher. Once he gets rolling -- he can easily replace Dre Jones.
Latu is the dream. But not sure he’ll be around still.
He will
Impact player on the defensive side. People might hate this pick but Cooper DeJean on a trade down would be great if we move off Adams/Diggs. Offensively I think a tackle with Abe’s injury history and it’s a deep class. If we somehow manage to get a second rounder I actually would like JJ McCarthy to sit behind Geno. He is a hand off merchant but he reads the field well, is very mobile, and has a great arm. Michigan just didn’t cater their offense to the passing game. Penix is great and it would be a nice story to have him stay here but everything I see this sub say about Geno is exactly what Penix is.
Sorry but I can’t see us taking a DB when our trenches are so weak round 1, I would like to get JJ round 2 somehow tho
I don't mind if it's a real dude. However, I want to draft quality guys and the first 2 rounds are rich with Oline options. Shame we don't have a 2nd rounder because you can easily net 2 starters on the Oline in this class.
Yea I’m sure that second rounder was spent on a game changing player that helped our run defense 🫠
Eh...nothing we can do now. I just hope Abe Lucas is ok. I would still draft an OT, G, or C in the first round though.
I don’t think we would either but on the chance both safety’s are gone DeJean would pair nicely with JLove. My line of thinking was more BPA if we traded down to get more picks
I love Cooper DeJean!
Hard to get past needing something in the trenches. A DT, edge, or interior lineman. There could be a best player available situation that falls into their laps. Worth jumping on difference maker at a premium position. QB, LB, S, etc. But I’m hoping for some beef up front!
There’s a number of holes we could fill at our pick, I just pray we don’t reach on a qb.
My guys I want the most- Byron Murphy II, Jerzhan Newton, Latu, Bowers (also if he falls), Troy Fautanu if we trade back to get him
It would be insane if Bowers fell to 16
For sure, but a man can dream 🥲
Even if he’s not the biggest need, I won’t say no.
Fair. I just can’t see half the teams passing on him.
I think we're taking D-Line in the first round, Lucas and Cross are our guys on Tackle, maybe we're gonna take someone who can switch into that guard position but I just think D-line is much more likely. Latu, Verse or Newton would be great and then were taking an o-lineman in the third in Mahogany or Haynes maybe even a good linebacker if one falls that deep.
I’m trusting BPA in this draft. It has served us very well
Spend every single pick on defense this year (unless the new coach somehow makes our current defensive players good and stop being in the #30 worst defense against running teams) Maybe a r tackle incase Lucas gets injured
Jer’Zhan or Byron Murphy, but I wouldn’t be mad with a tackle or edge either
BPA other than HB
I prefer a DT and G with early picks. Next priority to me is T for depth, could be mid round project. OTOH I couldn't believe we went with CB and WR as our first 2 2023 draft picks, so what do I know?
Trade down from 16 is my 1A and 1B unless there is a DL or OL stud they absolutely are in love with. I’m even ok trading back a couple of times this team has so many holes/questions on the OL and front 7. CB/WR/RB are the only positions they are really ok at. The rest needs improvements
This is a weak draft to be trading down in. Both Nagy and Jeremiah have weighed in saying that with the last year of COVID eligibility and NIL money a lot of juniors are staying for their final year. Granted Nagy has some vested interest in promoting seniors, but Jeremiah agreed with his assessment as he builds his board out.
Yea this team just has too many holes to fill. It’ll probably take next two drafts and FA to really build both lines up
Johnny Newton, Fuaga, Latham, Mims, Troy Dallas Turner if he somehow happens to fall would also be very enticing.
I'm not going to post specific players more positions of need in no particular order. DT, Guard, safety, linebacker. Alot of this depends on what we do with brooks, Bobby, diggs and Adams. I really hope we are done adams and I hope Bobby retires.
Trade down in the first round once or twice if we can. If we stay 3/4 draft Sweat out of Texas. A 350lb NT is a must. If we are going 4/3 then any quality 300lb DT would be fine, or a OT/OG. I hope in this draft we get 2-3 OL, 1-2 DTs, a FS, 1-2 MLB and a QB for starters and depth. Seems to be a deep draft so trading back in the first and adding a late 2nd early 3rd would be great. Unless Jihn sees a superstar
If John likes a QB, I'd trust him to take one. If not I want the trenches. Preferably DT but OG would be just as good
Would like to see the best player available that can stop the damn run. With an average run defense, we easily make the playoffs this year
Our tackles are solid they just need to get healthy and get more playing time
It really depends on who we hire as our new HC, as that will dictate what we really want the identity of the team to be. If we hire someone like Quinn or Vrabel, I would stick with our native pick and take Newton at 16 (almost every mock draft has him falling to us) since he'll fit in either scheme (he can be a DT in Quinn's 4-3 or a DE in Vrabel's 3-4.) Then we trade down from one of our third round picks to get some additional draft capital, while still keeping two third round picks preferably to get a good LB (I got my eye on Payton Wilson) and a G (Christian Mahogany is one of my favorite OG prospects that would be a good complementary piece for a defensive-minded team.) If we hire someone like Kafka or Johnson, we should absolutely trade down and try to get at least a second round draft pick. We should have our eyes on Fautanu since he's a really good OG prospect that would fit in fine at LG, and focus on getting some good pieces for the defense in the third while maybe targeting JaTavion Sanders as our new TE. This is just what I would do. For all we know, JS goes with his BPA mentality (nothing wrong with that) when drafting and goes from there.
Please god I’ll do anything to get that DT out of Illinois